Comments (51)

Considering the council keep telling us they have no money and yet the reasons why town centres are declining such as out of town shopping etc are well known is spending £1m of apparently scarce council funds not throwing good money after bad.?

What do they suppose will change after they have invested the £1m of council tax funds ?

It seems lunacy to me

Considering the council keep telling us they have no money and yet the reasons why town centres are declining such as out of town shopping etc are well known is spending £1m of apparently scarce council funds not throwing good money after bad.?
What do they suppose will change after they have invested the £1m of council tax funds ?
It seems lunacy to meSankey

all we need now is to have a drunken disorderly town centre council member staggering passed and that sums this town up !!!!!!!,my question is ,DID the council lie to us about these shops not closing and i would expect a full letter of when they found out and if they knew why withheld the facts or has the contempt they have shown the public for years just become an everyday thing to lie.

all we need now is to have a drunken disorderly town centre council member staggering passed and that sums this town up !!!!!!!,my question is ,DID the council lie to us about these shops not closing and i would expect a full letter of when they found out and if they knew why withheld the facts or has the contempt they have shown the public for years just become an everyday thing to lie.keepitreel

i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.

i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?

free parking will not help.
i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.
i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?mikeashworth

WHEN will the people of St Helens come to their senses and get RID of this so called red tribe who have ruled and done NOTHING for this town for over 30 + yrs , just take a look at the investment for employment in Warrington and Wigan , and what do we get ANOTHER maccy's and the closures have not stopped yet . I could not believe the council election results last week and the % of vote to labour !! wake up st Helens fast !!!! because if there is no work in the town to attract people than everything YOU own is worth NOTHING !!

WHEN will the people of St Helens come to their senses and get RID of this so called red tribe who have ruled and done NOTHING for this town for over 30 + yrs , just take a look at the investment for employment in Warrington and Wigan , and what do we get ANOTHER maccy's and the closures have not stopped yet . I could not believe the council election results last week and the % of vote to labour !! wake up st Helens fast !!!! because if there is no work in the town to attract people than everything YOU own is worth NOTHING !!butscratcher

i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.

i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.keepitreel

a quick google will tell you this was planned 3 years ago by Acardia or Philip Green the tax dodging millionaire they are going to close 200 shops across the uk as they have suffered a 40% loss in profits ,they are not renewing leases on any shops they do not own . plus i suggest you read the comments as well you may find those interesting.

It looks like the store in wigan is closing too in june
http://www.wigantoda
y.net/news/local/clo
thes-shop-to-shut-in
-latest-high-street-
blow-1-6514536
a quick google will tell you this was planned 3 years ago by Acardia or Philip Green the tax dodging millionaire they are going to close 200 shops across the uk as they have suffered a 40% loss in profits ,they are not renewing leases on any shops they do not own . plus i suggest you read the comments as well you may find those interesting.chasmcn

keepitreel wrote:
i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.

well name them ?

[quote][p][bold]keepitreel[/bold] wrote:
i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.[/p][/quote]well name them ?chasmcn

Sorry , my mistake, the town centre is boss. Beats the living Willmot Browns out of Liverpool one.

Saying that , I've never been to Wigan, but if weren't for flying visits to OD's, I don't think I'd ever have reason to go into town at all.

Sorry , my mistake, the town centre is boss. Beats the living Willmot Browns out of Liverpool one.
Saying that , I've never been to Wigan, but if weren't for flying visits to OD's, I don't think I'd ever have reason to go into town at all.barrie timpson

keepitreel wrote:
i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.

i reckon you could safely name the firms in question, come on spill.......

[quote][p][bold]keepitreel[/bold] wrote:
i was talking to a good friend at the golf club to-night about the town centre,he lives in WARRINGTON and he told me about a BIG name shop that is about to announce it is closing in town,he also told me a few are not going to renew their lease next year,looks like the end is coming for this town.[/p][/quote]i reckon you could safely name the firms in question, come on spill.......mikeashworth

it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.

it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.keepitreel

keepitreel wrote:
it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.

i first mentioned burtons months ago, councillors said it wouldnt happen, wrote to arcadia group, who own burtons, they ignored my request for a quote altogether. with this in mind i think it is more than fair to name those shops here. i actually think it'll be Boots that may go next, and a few ppl have told me the same thing.

re the westpoint development. ive been in touch with Aldi, who refuse to acknowledge that they'll be opening a store there. spoke with ten pin bowling company who were earmarked for development, who said they have no intention of opening there and wondered how there name got mentioned in the first place......

[quote][p][bold]keepitreel[/bold] wrote:
it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.[/p][/quote]i first mentioned burtons months ago, councillors said it wouldnt happen, wrote to arcadia group, who own burtons, they ignored my request for a quote altogether. with this in mind i think it is more than fair to name those shops here. i actually think it'll be Boots that may go next, and a few ppl have told me the same thing.
re the westpoint development. ive been in touch with Aldi, who refuse to acknowledge that they'll be opening a store there. spoke with ten pin bowling company who were earmarked for development, who said they have no intention of opening there and wondered how there name got mentioned in the first place......mikeashworth

keepitreel wrote:
it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.

i first mentioned burtons months ago, councillors said it wouldnt happen, wrote to arcadia group, who own burtons, they ignored my request for a quote altogether. with this in mind i think it is more than fair to name those shops here. i actually think it'll be Boots that may go next, and a few ppl have told me the same thing.

re the westpoint development. ive been in touch with Aldi, who refuse to acknowledge that they'll be opening a store there. spoke with ten pin bowling company who were earmarked for development, who said they have no intention of opening there and wondered how there name got mentioned in the first place......

The St Helens Star back in January published that the work on the West Point/St Thomas Square site was due to begin within a month. http://www.sthelenss
tar.co.uk/news/10954
429.Multi_million_po
und_town_centre_deve
lopment_to_start_nex
t_month/?ref=mry

So then what is happening St Helens Council? Please don't tell us that the developers have yet again backed out or that at long last someone has realised that yet another gym and supermarket in a town already with too many of them isn't the answer? The developers are clearly now five months behind schedule. The area in question and wider Greenbank area still looks like a complete eyesore and zero effort has been made to at least tidy it up. It's an embarrassment and our councillors look like they have utterly failed to deliver (well certainly on time) yet again.

[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]keepitreel[/bold] wrote:
it would not be fair on the people working in these shops to name them on a forum before an official announcement is made,but one has a very prominent site and i have been led to believe has told the council its intent,the other has another outlet in one of the retail parks,could the council or the STAR tell us if the rumour (if thats what it is ) that the new show piece leisure complex has been altered and now will be incorporating more apartments on the site than actual retail outlets or leisure facilities.[/p][/quote]i first mentioned burtons months ago, councillors said it wouldnt happen, wrote to arcadia group, who own burtons, they ignored my request for a quote altogether. with this in mind i think it is more than fair to name those shops here. i actually think it'll be Boots that may go next, and a few ppl have told me the same thing.
re the westpoint development. ive been in touch with Aldi, who refuse to acknowledge that they'll be opening a store there. spoke with ten pin bowling company who were earmarked for development, who said they have no intention of opening there and wondered how there name got mentioned in the first place......[/p][/quote]The St Helens Star back in January published that the work on the West Point/St Thomas Square site was due to begin within a month. http://www.sthelenss
tar.co.uk/news/10954
429.Multi_million_po
und_town_centre_deve
lopment_to_start_nex
t_month/?ref=mry
So then what is happening St Helens Council? Please don't tell us that the developers have yet again backed out or that at long last someone has realised that yet another gym and supermarket in a town already with too many of them isn't the answer? The developers are clearly now five months behind schedule. The area in question and wider Greenbank area still looks like a complete eyesore and zero effort has been made to at least tidy it up. It's an embarrassment and our councillors look like they have utterly failed to deliver (well certainly on time) yet again.anthonywilson

It would not surprise me at all if after all the hot air and piffle, nothing came of the West Point proposals. It is like all this Council's plans - airy fairy statements, no real substance, no facts and figures. We can all wax lyrical about this and that but Grunewald and his cohorts have got it off to a tee.
West Point, Parkside, etc etc - no firm plans, no detail. Who the hell keeps voting these bandits in?
Perhaps Burtons could be turned into a Labour Club however - there is quite a bit of pavement room outside there, making it much easier for Councillors to "stagger" about after quaffing the old champers!

It would not surprise me at all if after all the hot air and piffle, nothing came of the West Point proposals. It is like all this Council's plans - airy fairy statements, no real substance, no facts and figures. We can all wax lyrical about this and that but Grunewald and his cohorts have got it off to a tee.
West Point, Parkside, etc etc - no firm plans, no detail. Who the hell keeps voting these bandits in?
Perhaps Burtons could be turned into a Labour Club however - there is quite a bit of pavement room outside there, making it much easier for Councillors to "stagger" about after quaffing the old champers!Hughwithaview

I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was " If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......

I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was " If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......barrie timpson

barrie timpson wrote:
I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was &quot; If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......

The labour councillors were quaffing champagne in the imperial club in a big way clearly it got too much for some. The question is who paid for the champagne ?

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was " If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......[/p][/quote]The labour councillors were quaffing champagne in the imperial club in a big way clearly it got too much for some. The question is who paid for the champagne ?Sankey

i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.

i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?

Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc

Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent

[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
free parking will not help.
i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.
i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?[/p][/quote]Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc
Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rentstevelunt

What ever they try to do now it is all too little too late. I agree spending a million would be a waste of money especially as the expertise does not exist within this Council to draw up a successful strategy. That is why things have got as bad as they are. The town economy has been on the slide for years and no one in the Town Hall has been able to get their finger out and do anything about it.
I know other towns are affected by the retail downturn but here in St Helens all we get is half hearted attempts at trying to remedy the situation and a lot of excuses.

What ever they try to do now it is all too little too late. I agree spending a million would be a waste of money especially as the expertise does not exist within this Council to draw up a successful strategy. That is why things have got as bad as they are. The town economy has been on the slide for years and no one in the Town Hall has been able to get their finger out and do anything about it.
I know other towns are affected by the retail downturn but here in St Helens all we get is half hearted attempts at trying to remedy the situation and a lot of excuses.Hughwithaview

i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.

i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?

Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc

Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent

hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....

[quote][p][bold]stevelunt[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
free parking will not help.
i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.
i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?[/p][/quote]Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc
Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent[/p][/quote]hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....mikeashworth

barrie timpson wrote:
I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was &quot; If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......

Not bad at all - in fact everything you want in a Councillor
eloquent, good communication and straight to the point!

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
I believe the police have been heavy handed, I mean all her partner said was " If you weren't in uniform I'd knock you out " and she chipped in with "You Fu***ng Pr*ck" Surely that's not to bad......[/p][/quote]Not bad at all - in fact everything you want in a Councillor
eloquent, good communication and straight to the point!Hughwithaview

i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.

i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?

Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc

Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent

hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....

You see this is exactly what I cannot understand

They would rather have an empty shell rotting away unoccupied than earn then money ?

[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]stevelunt[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
free parking will not help.
i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.
i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?[/p][/quote]Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc
Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent[/p][/quote]hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....[/p][/quote]You see this is exactly what I cannot understand
They would rather have an empty shell rotting away unoccupied than earn then money ?stevelunt

i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.

i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?

Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc

Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent

hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....

You see this is exactly what I cannot understand

They would rather have an empty shell rotting away unoccupied than earn then money ?

depends what state the empty shop is in. if it is not currently lettable without significant work taking place first then they dont pay business rates on it.

as for other units, yep, it surprises me, but landlords are an odd bunch.

[quote][p][bold]stevelunt[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]stevelunt[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
free parking will not help.
i used to believe free parking was the answer, when their are no other ideas on the table, it seems like the only one ppl focus on. but free parking rewards the wrong behaviour. we need to be rewarding behaviour which is required in town centre, that is, ppl visiting town centre and spending money. whilst you may think free parking will encourage spending it wont.
i had my mind changed on this matter by the association of town centre managers. it is believed that a reimbursement scheme is better for many reasons. it encourages spending, and when economy improves, you could reduce / remove if you wish. once you've implemented free parking, where do you go from there?[/p][/quote]Once you have free parking, you get the landlords to offer incentives such as free 6 months / 12 months rent. rate free for so long etc
Drop the rent if not free. surely some rent is better than no rent[/p][/quote]hahahahaa, the landlords wont be interested in discussing that at all, yes it seems mad, but thats just how they are....[/p][/quote]You see this is exactly what I cannot understand
They would rather have an empty shell rotting away unoccupied than earn then money ?[/p][/quote]depends what state the empty shop is in. if it is not currently lettable without significant work taking place first then they dont pay business rates on it.
as for other units, yep, it surprises me, but landlords are an odd bunch.mikeashworth

What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been.
It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town.
I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not).
Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.

What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been.
It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town.
I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not).
Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.Bill Bradbury

Bill Bradbury wrote:
What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been.
It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town.
I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not).
Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.

yup, i once read the book captive state by george monbiot, that was a real eye opener with regard to who really runs the UK.

their are things ppl can and should do, and that is to keep as much money in loceal economy in the first place. campaign to shut payday lenders woudel be a start. block access to wonga and other sites at library, communtiy centres etc. also ppl need to wake up to fact that supermarkets are convenient they are not always cheaper, especially when it comes to things like fresh fruit and veg.

the £ in our pockets is more powerful than our votes. where we choose to spend it can have huge ramifications.

anyway, gauntlet throw down time. if anyone who contributes to these stories regularaly wants to meet for a coffee, and lets see what we can do to be part of solution, i'm up for it. i suspect that i will not be deluged with offers! lol and many will prefer to remain behind the anonymity of this website.

[quote][p][bold]Bill Bradbury[/bold] wrote:
What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been.
It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town.
I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not).
Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.[/p][/quote]yup, i once read the book captive state by george monbiot, that was a real eye opener with regard to who really runs the UK.
their are things ppl can and should do, and that is to keep as much money in loceal economy in the first place. campaign to shut payday lenders woudel be a start. block access to wonga and other sites at library, communtiy centres etc. also ppl need to wake up to fact that supermarkets are convenient they are not always cheaper, especially when it comes to things like fresh fruit and veg.
the £ in our pockets is more powerful than our votes. where we choose to spend it can have huge ramifications.
anyway, gauntlet throw down time. if anyone who contributes to these stories regularaly wants to meet for a coffee, and lets see what we can do to be part of solution, i'm up for it. i suspect that i will not be deluged with offers! lol and many will prefer to remain behind the anonymity of this website.mikeashworth

Let me ask you this about the pounds in my pocket - if I go to Liverpool I can spend them because there are things there that I like to buy , if I go to St Helens there are no shops apart from od's that I want to buy anything from - how is this my fault?

Let me ask you this about the pounds in my pocket - if I go to Liverpool I can spend them because there are things there that I like to buy , if I go to St Helens there are no shops apart from od's that I want to buy anything from - how is this my fault?barrie timpson

...and where is this St Tomas square development that was starting within a month...four months ago?

Are they all to busy drinking champagne and assaulting police officers outside the imperial?

Champagne socialism more like.

...and where is this St Tomas square development that was starting within a month...four months ago?
Are they all to busy drinking champagne and assaulting police officers outside the imperial?
Champagne socialism more like.barrie timpson

Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.

"Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......

http://www.liverpool
echo.co.uk/news/live
rpool-news/arrested-
merseyside-councillo
r-insists-did-719689
9
Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.
"Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......barrie timpson

Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.

&quot;Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......

Barrie you are quite right. I have constantly asked why Cllrs. cannot write either on this site or in the Star (or Reporter) the reasons for our lack of investment. Perhaps this week?? I get very lonely on this comment site!!

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
http://www.liverpool
echo.co.uk/news/live
rpool-news/arrested-
merseyside-councillo
r-insists-did-719689
9
Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.
"Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......[/p][/quote]Barrie you are quite right. I have constantly asked why Cllrs. cannot write either on this site or in the Star (or Reporter) the reasons for our lack of investment. Perhaps this week?? I get very lonely on this comment site!!Bill Bradbury

Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.

&quot;Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......

Barrie you are quite right. I have constantly asked why Cllrs. cannot write either on this site or in the Star (or Reporter) the reasons for our lack of investment. Perhaps this week?? I get very lonely on this comment site!!

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
http://www.liverpool
echo.co.uk/news/live
rpool-news/arrested-
merseyside-councillo
r-insists-did-719689
9
Brilliant , her stupid comments could only make her a St Helens Labour Councillor.
"Neither The councillor or Barrie Grunewald were able to be contacted for comment" ...now they know how the rest of us feel......[/p][/quote]Barrie you are quite right. I have constantly asked why Cllrs. cannot write either on this site or in the Star (or Reporter) the reasons for our lack of investment. Perhaps this week?? I get very lonely on this comment site!!Bill Bradbury

I'll tell you why Bill, because none of them care. They know only too well that all they have to do is turn up and say "Labour" and they will get a good living out of it.

No good men or women left. I know your heart is in it , and if you were to stand I'd vote for you tomorrow.

The cold hard fact is, that Grunewald and his pals care no more for us than the average Tory.

I'll tell you why Bill, because none of them care. They know only too well that all they have to do is turn up and say "Labour" and they will get a good living out of it.
No good men or women left. I know your heart is in it , and if you were to stand I'd vote for you tomorrow.
The cold hard fact is, that Grunewald and his pals care no more for us than the average Tory.barrie timpson

barrie timpson wrote:
I'll tell you why Bill, because none of them care. They know only too well that all they have to do is turn up and say &quot;Labour" and they will get a good living out of it.

No good men or women left. I know your heart is in it , and if you were to stand I'd vote for you tomorrow.

The cold hard fact is, that Grunewald and his pals care no more for us than the average Tory.

They dont care, fair enough, but then again do any of you? Do any of you care beyond posting comments to news stories, clearly based on replies to my last post, nobody does..... ignore the politicians, politics, youve all got massive power, but you seem to think you havent. get involved....

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
I'll tell you why Bill, because none of them care. They know only too well that all they have to do is turn up and say "Labour" and they will get a good living out of it.
No good men or women left. I know your heart is in it , and if you were to stand I'd vote for you tomorrow.
The cold hard fact is, that Grunewald and his pals care no more for us than the average Tory.[/p][/quote]They dont care, fair enough, but then again do any of you? Do any of you care beyond posting comments to news stories, clearly based on replies to my last post, nobody does..... ignore the politicians, politics, youve all got massive power, but you seem to think you havent. get involved....mikeashworth

Michael , I do care my friend , but you must understand , I work all week sometimes I start at 6 in the morning and only get home about 9 or 10 at night.

There are people in well paid jobs like the town management scheme or whatever it's called , to turn this around. If they're not doing the job then they need to be looked at. It's not up to average Joe to do the job of politicians and Councillors , we just pay their wages.

Michael , I do care my friend , but you must understand , I work all week sometimes I start at 6 in the morning and only get home about 9 or 10 at night.
There are people in well paid jobs like the town management scheme or whatever it's called , to turn this around. If they're not doing the job then they need to be looked at. It's not up to average Joe to do the job of politicians and Councillors , we just pay their wages.barrie timpson

barrie timpson wrote:
Michael , I do care my friend , but you must understand , I work all week sometimes I start at 6 in the morning and only get home about 9 or 10 at night.

There are people in well paid jobs like the town management scheme or whatever it's called , to turn this around. If they're not doing the job then they need to be looked at. It's not up to average Joe to do the job of politicians and Councillors , we just pay their wages.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.

You're right, we pay their wages. There has to be accountability, if they are not doing the job expected of them then there needs to be consequences. If there are is no accountability and no consequences, then why would they change?

You can make complaints in writing, you can write into the letters section of the local newspapers, you can utilise social media (I've heard on the grapevine the Council leader has a Twitter account and councillors have access to Ipads), you can do Freedom of Information requests which the Council is legally obliged to respond to and you can create petitions. None of this requires a massive investment of time and resources.

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
Michael , I do care my friend , but you must understand , I work all week sometimes I start at 6 in the morning and only get home about 9 or 10 at night.
There are people in well paid jobs like the town management scheme or whatever it's called , to turn this around. If they're not doing the job then they need to be looked at. It's not up to average Joe to do the job of politicians and Councillors , we just pay their wages.[/p][/quote]"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.
You're right, we pay their wages. There has to be accountability, if they are not doing the job expected of them then there needs to be consequences. If there are is no accountability and no consequences, then why would they change?
You can make complaints in writing, you can write into the letters section of the local newspapers, you can utilise social media (I've heard on the grapevine the Council leader has a Twitter account and councillors have access to Ipads), you can do Freedom of Information requests which the Council is legally obliged to respond to and you can create petitions. None of this requires a massive investment of time and resources.brazil1984

I've done all of those things , I've exposed them countless times on here and other forums , but you cannot change the hive mentality of the locals who are obviously happy with them.

It's like The Borg.

I've done all of those things , I've exposed them countless times on here and other forums , but you cannot change the hive mentality of the locals who are obviously happy with them.
It's like The Borg.barrie timpson

barrie timpson wrote:
I've done all of those things , I've exposed them countless times on here and other forums , but you cannot change the hive mentality of the locals who are obviously happy with them.

It's like The Borg.

Posting comments on the Star website and other online forums isn't an effective way to generate change. The people in power probably don't even read the comments and you have a limited audience at your disposal.

I believe real change in society doesn't come from the politicians or counsellors anyway, it comes from individual citizens, the entreprenuers, the writers, the musicians, the bereaved parents who campaign tirelessly for changes in the law, the charities who provide safety nets for those failed by the welfare state. Gandhi said if you want to change the world, change yourself.

[quote][p][bold]barrie timpson[/bold] wrote:
I've done all of those things , I've exposed them countless times on here and other forums , but you cannot change the hive mentality of the locals who are obviously happy with them.
It's like The Borg.[/p][/quote]Posting comments on the Star website and other online forums isn't an effective way to generate change. The people in power probably don't even read the comments and you have a limited audience at your disposal.
I believe real change in society doesn't come from the politicians or counsellors anyway, it comes from individual citizens, the entreprenuers, the writers, the musicians, the bereaved parents who campaign tirelessly for changes in the law, the charities who provide safety nets for those failed by the welfare state. Gandhi said if you want to change the world, change yourself.brazil1984

Bill Bradbury wrote: What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been. It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town. I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not). Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.

yup, i once read the book captive state by george monbiot, that was a real eye opener with regard to who really runs the UK. their are things ppl can and should do, and that is to keep as much money in loceal economy in the first place. campaign to shut payday lenders woudel be a start. block access to wonga and other sites at library, communtiy centres etc. also ppl need to wake up to fact that supermarkets are convenient they are not always cheaper, especially when it comes to things like fresh fruit and veg. the £ in our pockets is more powerful than our votes. where we choose to spend it can have huge ramifications. anyway, gauntlet throw down time. if anyone who contributes to these stories regularaly wants to meet for a coffee, and lets see what we can do to be part of solution, i'm up for it. i suspect that i will not be deluged with offers! lol and many will prefer to remain behind the anonymity of this website.

I recently moved back into the St Helens area after 20 years living & working in Manchester and without the slightest hint of irony I can say that it it feels like I moved 20 miles west and 30+ years into the past. Yes, the town centre is now a ghost town, the sense of the brutal 1960s architecture is heightened by the so-called 21st centry touches the "town planners" deemed fit to add to Church Square.

The sense time travel is also accentuated by the people seem to who populate the centre, the 9:00am breakfast drinkers, teenage mums and their broods, fat bald white men with tatts who once played once for Thatto Heath Crusaders when they were 12 & still consider themselves contenders for Saints first team and the women who don't realise that yoga pants, lycra and leggings are a privilege and not a right to wear.

It is no wonder that businesses seem not to want to be associated with the town centre when the population of the town is perceived to have no self-respect, no drive....

...Or a sense of humour.

St Helens has to completely change direction and remove the "Pound Town" stigma that is attached to it. The town has a large college and student population visiting it daily, why not take advantage of that? Focus less on what is past and move towards the future. Take advantage of the towns unique industrial heritage but don'r rely on it. Focus more on making the town centre somewhere to visit for the day instead of just somewhere to shop (or not as the case is now).

Redesign and redevelop the centre, turn it into a centre of culture and the arts, encourage the smaller, more bohemian retailers to invest - a market for the cottage industries and not the brand ripoff clothing merchants selling knockoff gear to 40+ ladies with no style. Mimic Manchester;'s Afflecks Palace and encourage the counter culture to grow...

Evolve or die.

[quote][p][bold]mikeashworth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bill Bradbury[/bold] wrote: What a depressing lot you are examples of the blame game which is prevalent of the day. You need all to get out into the world and try to really assess the reason for town centre shops closing in all the towns I visit including Wigan and Warrington and for that matter Kings Lynn from where I have just been. It may have escaped your notice that these multi-national firms are locating to out of town sites mainly because much of their sales are done on the internet and they want to locate in places where people could drive and pick up their purchases, impossible unless you take out all the pedestrian zones in every town. I have this argument with all my political friends who actually believe that politicians run the country when in reality it is big business and the City. So firms and business will locate wherever they want and there is little that politicians can do about it, of any party, but I fully expect all the ills of society will be blamed on the local council or any other party to whom the above subscribe (or not). Some voters even reckon Ukip will! What a joke.[/p][/quote]yup, i once read the book captive state by george monbiot, that was a real eye opener with regard to who really runs the UK. their are things ppl can and should do, and that is to keep as much money in loceal economy in the first place. campaign to shut payday lenders woudel be a start. block access to wonga and other sites at library, communtiy centres etc. also ppl need to wake up to fact that supermarkets are convenient they are not always cheaper, especially when it comes to things like fresh fruit and veg. the £ in our pockets is more powerful than our votes. where we choose to spend it can have huge ramifications. anyway, gauntlet throw down time. if anyone who contributes to these stories regularaly wants to meet for a coffee, and lets see what we can do to be part of solution, i'm up for it. i suspect that i will not be deluged with offers! lol and many will prefer to remain behind the anonymity of this website.[/p][/quote]I recently moved back into the St Helens area after 20 years living & working in Manchester and without the slightest hint of irony I can say that it it feels like I moved 20 miles west and 30+ years into the past. Yes, the town centre is now a ghost town, the sense of the brutal 1960s architecture is heightened by the so-called 21st centry touches the "town planners" deemed fit to add to Church Square.
The sense time travel is also accentuated by the people seem to who populate the centre, the 9:00am breakfast drinkers, teenage mums and their broods, fat bald white men with tatts who once played once for Thatto Heath Crusaders when they were 12 & still consider themselves contenders for Saints first team and the women who don't realise that yoga pants, lycra and leggings are a privilege and not a right to wear.
It is no wonder that businesses seem not to want to be associated with the town centre when the population of the town is perceived to have no self-respect, no drive....
...Or a sense of humour.
St Helens has to completely change direction and remove the "Pound Town" stigma that is attached to it. The town has a large college and student population visiting it daily, why not take advantage of that? Focus less on what is past and move towards the future. Take advantage of the towns unique industrial heritage but don'r rely on it. Focus more on making the town centre somewhere to visit for the day instead of just somewhere to shop (or not as the case is now).
Redesign and redevelop the centre, turn it into a centre of culture and the arts, encourage the smaller, more bohemian retailers to invest - a market for the cottage industries and not the brand ripoff clothing merchants selling knockoff gear to 40+ ladies with no style. Mimic Manchester;'s Afflecks Palace and encourage the counter culture to grow...
Evolve or die.pault1968

Not going to happen Paul if people raise their aspirations they are less likely to vote labour and the St. Helens labour politicians rely on the benefits zombie vote to retain their guaranteed income

Why would they want to risk that ?

Not going to happen Paul if people raise their aspirations they are less likely to vote labour and the St. Helens labour politicians rely on the benefits zombie vote to retain their guaranteed income
Why would they want to risk that ?Sankey

Sankey is absolutely spot on Paul. And the woman who caused the root of the problems Paul talks about is due to become our next MP. The Scargill clone who is still fighting the miners strike , 30 years later.

Sankey is absolutely spot on Paul. And the woman who caused the root of the problems Paul talks about is due to become our next MP. The Scargill clone who is still fighting the miners strike , 30 years later.barrie timpson

I work in Warrington and it could not be more different - a council that actively encourages regeneration and new jobs to the area (just look at Junction 8 of the M62) as well as the new housebuilding around Chapelford. Where I work has an employment initiatives team that gets our tenants ( I work for a housing trust) jobs - something that patently isn't happening in St Helens. Not only that but Primark opened in December and traffic to Golden Square has increased treblefold and parking is not free anywhere in Warrington. So that is not the issue and we need to make sure we aren't sidetracked by it. Its more that people begrudge paying when their council tax is high enough and there is nothing to do in the town.
Don't get me wrong, there are pockets of the town that are deprived and do need regeneration but nowhere near as much as St Helens does - the town is dying and we need to sit up and take notice.

I work in Warrington and it could not be more different - a council that actively encourages regeneration and new jobs to the area (just look at Junction 8 of the M62) as well as the new housebuilding around Chapelford. Where I work has an employment initiatives team that gets our tenants ( I work for a housing trust) jobs - something that patently isn't happening in St Helens. Not only that but Primark opened in December and traffic to Golden Square has increased treblefold and parking is not free anywhere in Warrington. So that is not the issue and we need to make sure we aren't sidetracked by it. Its more that people begrudge paying when their council tax is high enough and there is nothing to do in the town.
Don't get me wrong, there are pockets of the town that are deprived and do need regeneration but nowhere near as much as St Helens does - the town is dying and we need to sit up and take notice.peaches46